Pacific Peoples Minister Shane Reti to step down at next general election

Minister for Pacific Peoples Dr Shane Reti has announced he will retire from politics at the next general election, bringing an end to his 12-year career in Parliament.

Reti, the National MP for Whangārei, confirmed on Tuesday that he will not seek re-election in 2026.

The 62-year-old was first elected in 2014 and became the first Māori MP to represent the Northland electorate.

He has also served four terms in Parliament and held several senior ministerial roles.

In a statement, Reti thanked voters in Whangārei and his family for supporting him during his time in politics.

“I want to thank the people of Whangārei for the great privilege of serving them and to my partner and family for their understanding and unconditional contribution to this career.”

Dr Shane Reti (centre) with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Governor Dame Cindy Kiro at his final swearing in. Photo/File

Reti told PMN News that he still hopes to contribute to Pacific communities after leaving Parliament, potentially through short-term clinical work.

He says he does not plan to return to running a full-time medical practice but may take on locum roles to continue supporting Pasifika.

Reflecting on his time in Parliament, Reti says one of the achievements he is most proud of is expanding the breast cancer screening age from 70 to 74.

Minister for Pacific Peoples Dr Shane Reti arrives in Fiji in July 2025. Photo/PMN News/Joseph Safiti

He also had a message for Pacific communities, saying he will continue supporting their needs and aspirations even after stepping away from politics.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says Reti had discussed his decision to step down with him some time ago, praising the Pacific Peoples Minister as someone he deeply respects.

He says Reti will be missed in the National caucus and rejected suggestions the move is linked to poor results.

Reti currently holds the Pacific Peoples portfolio and has previously served as Minister of Health, Universities, Science, Innovation and Technology, and Statistics.

In an interview on Pacific Mornings in December, Reti said working with Pacific communities was one of the most rewarding parts of his role in government.

“This portfolio lights me up,” he said. “All portfolios have challenges, but I love the mission, I love the delivery of this portfolio and the way it actually changes lives."

Watch Dr Shane Reti's full interview on Pacific Mornings in February.

Reti said he felt a strong responsibility to ensure the Ministry for Pacific Peoples delivers real results for Pasifika communities.

“There were so many years of sweat and blood that brought this ministry into being," he said.

"The responsibility and the privilege I have is to make sure that the ministry can deliver on those hopes, aspirations and dreams and tangibly benefit Pacific peoples’ lives.”

During his time in government, Retu points to several policy achievements. These include working towards establishing a third medical school at the University of Waikato.

He also highlighted reforms to the science sector that will merge seven Crown Research Institutes into three new Public Research Organisations.

Reti served as Health Minister after the 2023 election but was moved out of the role in January 2025 during a Cabinet reshuffle and replaced by Simeon Brown.

Dr Shane Reti, left, and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters during a tour of the Pacific. Photo/file

Reti's decision to retire adds to a growing list of senior MPs planning to leave Parliament before the next election.

National’s Judith Collins will step down to lead the Law Commission, while Labour’s Peeni Henare has also announced he will leave politics.

Reti's departure means the future leadership of the Pacific Peoples portfolio will be decided ahead of the next general election, scheduled for 27 November 2026.